New Terry Fox memorial unveiled at BC Place
September 16th, 2011
VANCOUVER - Rolly Fox, the father of Terry Fox, together with other members of the Fox family, were joined by Premier Christy Clark this morning to dedicate the newly refurbished Terry Fox Plaza at BC Place, and unveil the new Terry Fox Memorial.
“Terry Fox was a true Canadian hero who embodied tremendous courage, determination and hope,” said Premier Clark. “This memorial will serve as a reminder of his strength and the progress we have made in cancer research as a result of his efforts. He showed all of us what the human spirit can accomplish.”
The memorial consists of four individual sculptures created by renowned artist, and friend of the Fox family, Douglas Coupland. The four statues, which appear to grow larger as Terry approaches, replicate the familiar running gait set by Fox during his Marathon of Hope in 1980.
Premier Clark was also joined by students from Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam, as well as three Vancouver schools (Renfrew Elementary, St John’s School, and Elsie Roy Elementary). The students began the ceremony with a “mini” Terry Fox Run to the Terry Fox Plaza. The ceremony occurred two days ahead of the 31st Annual Terry Fox Run set for Sunday, September 18th.
As part of the renovation of Terry Fox Plaza, both PavCo and the Fox family agreed last year to have Coupland develop the concept, and then create the new and long-lasting commemoration of Terry Fox’s achievements.
“With the four running representations Doug has captured the effort, determination and discomfort that was prevalent in every step Terry took” said Rolly Fox. “Future generations will be better able to understand and appreciate the extent to which Terry was prepared to go to help those diagnosed with cancer. I know Terry’s mom was extremely pleased and proud when Doug first shared his concept with us.”
“We’re pleased that BC Place will continue to be the home for this important memorial which will connect us all to this inspirational young man,” said David Podmore, Chair of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo). “This new memorial by Doug Coupland really brings back the memories of Terry’s incredible effort, which has left a legacy that continues to this day.”
About the Terry Fox Foundation
The Terry Fox Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. To date, over $550 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry Fox's name. The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981, with The Terry Fox Foundation being created in 1988. Its national headquarters are located in Chilliwack, BC and it has offices in nine provinces. Visitors to the Terry Fox Plaza will also have the opportunity to support The Terry Fox Foundation with a donation of $5 by texting “terryfox” to 45678 in a program supported by TELUS. TELUS also contributed funding for the memorial wall and will give more than $150,000 in 2011 alone to support and celebrate Terry’s legacy. www.terryfox.org
About the Terry Fox Research Institute
Launched in October 2007, The Terry Fox Research Institute is the brainchild of The Terry Fox Foundation. TFRI seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone-based approach to research that will enable discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. TFRI collaborates with over 50 cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada. TFRI headquarters are in Vancouver, BC. www.tfri.ca
About Douglas Coupland
Douglas Coupland is familiar with the Terry Fox story, having written the 2005 tribute book “Terry” in collaboration with the Terry Fox Foundation. Coupland grew up - and continues to live - in Vancouver. His first novel was published in 1991. Since then he has published twelve novels and several non-fiction books in 35 languages and most countries on earth. He has written and performed for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England, and in 2001 resumed his practice as a visual artist, with exhibitions in spaces in North America, Europe and Asia.
In recent years, Coupland's written work and visual art career have blended together to create a variety of books and a wide array of art and design works that explore the identity of both Vancouver and Canada's citizens. His book City of Glass, a series of small essays on the city has become a perennial bestseller on the subject. A 2006 film comedy, Everything's Gone Green, further explored ideas begun in City of Glass, and his 2008 one-season thirteen-episode CBC series, was a high spirited exploration of Vancouver’s new high-tech economy.
In 2008, Coupland helped create the Terry Fox Miracle Mile in downtown Toronto. Last year, Coupland’s Digital Orca sculpture was unveiled at the Vancouver Convention Centre. News also came last year of Coupland’s winning design for the Canadian Firefighters Memorial to be unveiled in Ottawa in 2012. www.coupland.com
About BC Place
BC Place is the largest sports, exhibition and entertainment venue of its kind in British Columbia, hosting the province’s most notable events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. BC Place is undergoing a major revitalization that includes the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world.
Upon re-opening September 30th, 2011, BC Place will once again become the home of the BC Lions Football Club and the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and the new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS franchise. BC Place will host both the 99th CFL Grey Cup and the 2011 Vanier Cup in November, plus many other exhibitions, and community and entertainment events in the future. For more information, please visit www.bcplace.com
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Contact:
Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
(604) 220-1640